Karns Middle School

539-7732

Sherry J. Morgan (sherry.morgan@knoxschools.org)

Syllabus: Special Education Class

COURSE OUTCOME:  

• 6^th and 7th grade Special Education Class. Our class will be working on your child’s IEP goals and incorporating regular education curriculum as appropriate.
• State standards can be found at: www.tn.gov/education/instruction

INSTRUCTION:  

• Our class will be working on your child’s IEP goals and incorporating regular education curriculum as appropriate. Students will work at their individual pace with work being completed daily. Students will need notebook paper, pencils, colored pencils and notebooks to keep papers. Other materials will be provided. We use a variety of materials, programs and textbooks to meet our student’s needs. Our classes will cover skills in English/Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies. Plus we will be working on Life Skills such as counting money, reading functional words, cooking and Social Skills. In ELA class, we will read Inside Out and Back Again, The Westing Game, The Lighting Thief and Bud not Buddy this year after improving our reading skills. During December, we will read The Best Christmas Pageant. The Best Christmas Pageant does show the Christian view of Christmas.

ASSESSMENT:  

• Students are expected to complete all work daily since daily grades are given.
• All grading policies are Knox County policies. Grades are posted weekly on Aspen.

Late work in regard to Special Education Students: Special Education students must have their Federal IEP followed which supersedes Karns Middle School policies and protocol. Therefore, some SPED students will not lose points on late assignments due to their IEP accommodations. If you have any questions, please ask the case manager or your SLC administrator.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS: 

Students

Students are expected to adhere to Knox County Schools attendance policy.

Class Rules

1. Follow teacher’s first request.
2. Raise your hand to talk.
3. Be respectful.
4. Be prepared.
5. Treat others the way you want to be treated.

Teacher

I will be using your child’s agenda or folder to communicate daily. You will know what we work on daily by checking your child’s agenda or folder.  I will also ask you to sign your child’s agenda or folder.  Signing your child’s agenda/folder will earn your child points on our point system. Your child’s reward time is based on the points they receive daily. Periodically, we will have class celebrations to celebrate our successes. If you need to contact me, it is best to email me at: sherry.morgan@knoxschools.org or call and leave a message at 539-7732. I check email in the morning, at lunch time and after school.

• PLAGIARISM According to Harbrace Handbook, 15th edition:

   Plagiarism  is  defined  as  “presenting  someone  else’s  ideas,  research,  or  opinion  as  your  own   without  proper  documentation,  even  if  it  has  been  rephrased.”   It  includes,  but  is  not  limited  to  the  following:           1.     Copying  verbatim  all  or  part  of  another’s  written  work;        2.     Using  phrases,  figures,  or  illustrations  without  citing  the  source;        3.     Paraphrasing  ideas,  conclusions,  or  research  without  citing  the  source;        4.     Using  all  or  part  of  a  literary  plot,  poem,  or  film  without  attributing  the  work  to  its  creator.”      

• CONSEQUENCES OF PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism is a form of stealing and academic fraud.  Students  who  are  found  guilty of  plagiarism  will   have  the  option  of  either  redoing  the  assignment  within  a  specified  time  period  and  accepting  a  grade   letter  drop  or  taking  a  zero  on  the  assignment.  Parents should be involved in making the decision.    

• Board Policy  I-­‐431   Issued:  7/95    Revised  6/08      The  Board  affirms  that  it  is  essential  that  the  teaching  about  religion—and  not  of  a  religion  be  conducted   in  a  factual,  objective,  and  respectful  manner  in  accordance  with  the  following:    

Music,  art,  literature,  or  drama  with  a  religious  theme  or  basis  are  permitted  as  part  of  the  curriculum   for  school-­‐sponsored  activities  and  programs,  provided  it  is  essential  to  the  learning  experience  in  the   various  fields  of  study  and  is  presented  objectively;   The  emphasis  on  religious  themes  in  the  arts,  literature,  and  history  shall  be  only  as  extensive  as   necessary  for  a  balanced  and  comprehensive  study  of  these  areas.  Such  studies  shall  never  foster  any   particular  religious  tenets  or  demean  any  religious  beliefs;  and    

Student-­‐initiated  expressions  to  questions  or  assignments  which  reflect  their  beliefs  or  non-­‐beliefs   about  a  religious  theme  shall  be  accommodated.  For  example,  students  are  free  to  express  religious   belief  or  non-­‐belief  in  compositions,  art  forms,  music,  speech,  and  debate.